I love the fact that while on a stroll in Camden Park you can come across some interesting migratory birds, occasional predatory birds like Herons and even glimpse many little turtle heads peeking out of the water. In 2018, a Muskovy Duck appeared at the lower Camden Pond. Perhaps she waddled her way to finding us or was brought here by a past owner, made no difference, she and the residents quickly took a liking to each other as she appeared to be a domesticated, friendly addition to our flora and fauna. Recently, a local carpenter, in cooperation with Fitch Creations, Inc. decided to build her a floating home to protect her from the elements and any possible predators. She has affectionately been named “Sophie” and the little house even has a nameplate on it……Sophie has been very friendly with the visiting Mallards, and has even allowed them respite in her little house. In true Fearrington fashion she has been very welcoming! Should you spot her while out on a stroll, please know that she has her own food, and can find many natural tidbits to augment her diet, so no feeding please. But she does love to be admired. And, surprise!, the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue has concluded that she is a he, so Sophie is short for Sophocles. And as the philosopher that she is named for once said “One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love.” Thank you Sophie!

~Nathalie